Machine suspension and height adjustment

ABSTRACT

An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to a wheel, a chassis attachment component for pivotably attaching the assembly to a chassis of the vehicle, and a suspension component operably interposed between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component. A first adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with a first portion of the suspension component, and a second adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with the first portion of the suspension component. The first and second adjustment elements are configured to shift the first portion of the suspension component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar slidingly engages the wheel attachment component and is rigidly coupled with a second portion of the suspension component.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 121 as a divisionalof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/052,818 filed Oct. 14, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,296,273. The full disclosure, in its entirety, of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/052,818 is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to mobile machines, such asself-propelled agricultural machines and similar vehicles. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to mobilemachines with adjustable-height chassis.

BACKGROUND

Some agricultural vehicles are configured to be operated in fields amongrow crops. Application machines such as self-propelled sprayers, forexample, may have wheels configured to pass between crop rows and aspray boom that extends outwardly from the vehicle to spray the crop asthe machine travels through the field. In order to avoid damaging thecrops as the vehicle moves through the field, each of the wheels musthave the proper width to travel between the rows, and the trackwidth—the lateral distance between the wheels—must match row spacing sothat the wheels are properly positioned between crop rows. Furthermore,the vehicle should have sufficient ground clearance (the distancebetween the vehicle body and the surface over which it moves) to clearthe crops.

While a standard height agricultural vehicle may be used to processshort crops, such as early stage corn or the like, difficulties arisewhen processing taller crops, such as mature corn, that are taller thanthe ground clearance of a standard vehicle. For such crops, highclearance vehicles may be used. While high clearance vehicles providesufficient clearance to pass over the top of taller crops, they sufferfrom various limitations. For example, high clearance vehicles, such asthose that provide a crop clearance of seventy inches or more, may havean overall height that exceeds highway height restrictions, therebymaking the transport of such vehicles to and from the field difficult.For example, public highways often restrict the height of a load totwelve feet or less which may be exceeded when a high clearance vehicleis placed on a transport trailer. Thus, measures may need to be taken tolower the vehicle to an acceptable transport height, such as deflatingthe tires or entirely removing the wheels.

In addition, while high clearance vehicles may be desirable for use ontall crops, they are not as effective in processing shorter cropswithout added complexity in the boom lifting mechanism to accommodatethe range of motion required to place the boom at the proper heightabove the crop when spraying at the various crop heights. Some systemshave been developed to increase the ground clearance of an existingvehicle. But these systems are complicated and require the removal ofexisting vehicle equipment and/or the addition of new equipment.

The above section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

SUMMARY

An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicleconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprisesa wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to a wheel, achassis attachment component for pivotably attaching the assembly to achassis of the vehicle, and a suspension component operably interposedbetween the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachmentcomponent. A first adjustment element is coupled with the chassisattachment component and coupled with a first portion of the suspensioncomponent, and a second adjustment element is coupled with the chassisattachment component and coupled with the first portion of thesuspension component. The first and second adjustment elements areconfigured to shift the first portion of the suspension componentbetween a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component. A single strut bar slidingly engages the wheelattachment component and is rigidly coupled with a second portion of thesuspension component.

An agricultural machine constructed in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention comprises a chassis, a plurality of wheelssupporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for driving atleast one of the wheels to thereby propel the machine along the groundsurface, and a plurality of height adjustment assemblies. Each assemblyis configured to support a portion of the chassis on one of the wheelsand to selectively raise and lower the chassis relative to the groundsurface.

The height adjustment assemblies are remotely controlled by a user, andeach of the height adjustment assemblies includes a wheel attachmentcomponent for attaching the assembly to one of the wheels, a chassisattachment component for attaching the assembly to a chassis of thevehicle, and a suspension component. A first adjustment element iscoupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with a firstportion of the suspension component, and a second adjustment element iscoupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with the firstportion of the suspension component. The first and second adjustmentelements are configured to shift the first portion of the suspensioncomponent between a plurality of operating positions relative to thechassis attachment component. A single strut bar is coupled with thewheel attachment component and is coupled with a second portion of thesuspension component such that the suspension component regulates motiontransfer between the first attachment component and the secondattachment component.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described in the detailed descriptionbelow. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspectsand advantages of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanyingdrawing figures.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural applicator constructedin accordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agricultural applicator of FIG. 1with two of the wheels omitted to more fully illustrate supportassemblies interposed between the wheels and the chassis.

FIGS. 3a-c are block diagrams of various exemplary embodiments of acontrol system of the applicator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates certain features of a cabin of the applicator of FIG.1 including one or more user interface elements allowing a user tocontrol certain functions of the applicator.

FIG. 5 is an outside perspective view of one of the support assembliesof the applicator of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 pivoted to a firstposition relative to an axle of the applicator.

FIG. 8 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 pivoted to a secondposition relative to the axle.

FIG. 9 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 in a first operatingposition.

FIG. 10 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 5 in a second operatingposition.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly beingsimilar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including a locking mechanism formechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operatingpositions.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the support assemblyof FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly beingsimilar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including a remotely controlledlocking mechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of aplurality of operating positions.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly beingsimilar to the assembly of FIG. 5 and including a lift-and-set lockingmechanism for mechanically locking the assembly into any of a pluralityof operating positions.

FIG. 15 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructedin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a wheel attachment component of the support assemblyof FIG. 15 pivoted to a first position relative to an axle of theapplicator.

FIG. 18 illustrates the wheel attachment component of the supportassembly of FIG. 15 pivoted to a second position relative to the axle.

FIG. 19 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 15 in a first operatingposition.

FIG. 20 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 15 in a secondoperating position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly beingsimilar to the assembly of FIG. 15 and including a locking mechanism formechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operatingpositions.

FIG. 22 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructedin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is in inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.22.

FIG. 24 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 pivoted to a firstposition relative to an axle of the applicator.

FIG. 25 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 pivoted to a secondposition relative to the axle.

FIG. 26 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 in a first operatingposition.

FIG. 27 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 22 in a secondoperating position.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention, the assembly beingsimilar to the assembly of FIG. 22 and including a locking mechanism formechanically locking the assembly into any of a plurality of operatingpositions.

FIG. 29 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructedin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.29.

FIG. 31 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructedin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.31.

FIG. 33 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 pivoted to a firstposition relative to an axle of the applicator.

FIG. 34 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 pivoted to a secondposition relative to the axle.

FIG. 35 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 in a first operatingposition.

FIG. 36 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 31 in a secondoperating position.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the support assembly of FIG. 31.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 38 in a first operatingposition.

FIG. 40 illustrates the support assembly of FIG. 38 in a secondoperating position.

FIG. 41 is an outside perspective view of a support assembly constructedin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42 is an inside perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a support assembly constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a partially exploded view of the support assembly of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a front elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 1,illustrating the applicator chassis in a lowered operating position.

FIG. 46 is a front elevation view of the applicator of FIG. 1,illustrating the applicator chassis in a raised operating position andthe position of the wheels and support assemblies corresponding to thelowered operating position of FIG. 45 illustrated in broken line.

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating the kingpin angle of the supportassemblies illustrated in FIGS. 45 and 46.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of embodiments of the inventionreferences the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are intended todescribe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can beutilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of theclaims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is definedonly by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to areincluded in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separatereferences to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” inthis description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and arealso not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Forexample, a feature, structure, act, etcetera described in one embodimentmay also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarilyincluded. Thus, the present technology can include a variety ofcombinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

The particular size and shape of the various components of the inventionmay vary substantially from one embodiment to another without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, while dimensionsand proportions of various components are set forth herein, it will beunderstood that such information is provided by way of example and doesnot limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Turning now to the drawing figures, and initially FIGS. 1-4, anexemplary applicator 10 constructed in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention is illustrated. The applicator 10 broadly includes achassis 12, a plurality of wheels 14 or other ground engaging elementssupporting the chassis 12 above a ground surface, an application system16, an operator cabin 18, and an engine compartment 20. A plurality ofsupport assemblies 22 interposed between the wheels 14 and the chassis12 support the chassis 12 on the wheels 14 and provide suspension,height adjustment and/or steering functions, as discussed in greaterdetail below.

Certain components of the applicator 10 have been omitted from thefigures for simplicity of illustration and to show certain features ofthe applicator 10 that would otherwise be concealed. The engine, forexample, has been omitted to illustrate components of the applicatorframe, including portions of the front axle 24. Certain hydraulic lines,such as hydraulic lines running to and from the assemblies 22, are alsoomitted. The applicator 10 is illustrated and discussed herein as anexemplary machine with which the support assemblies 22 may be used. Itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the supportassemblies 22 may be used with other machines including other types ofapplicators or other vehicles or mobile machines that would benefit fromthe advantages of the various embodiments of the support assembliesdisclosed herein, such as chassis height adjustment and independentsuspension.

The applicator 10 includes a pair of front wheels 14 b, 14 c and a pairof rear wheels 14 a, 14 d of the appropriate size and shape to allow theapplicator 10 to travel among row crops with minimal crop disturbance. Aused herein, a “wheel” includes an inner, rigid wheel and an outer,flexible tire mounted on the wheel unless otherwise specified. Eachwheel 14 may present, for example, an outer diameter of between sixtyand eighty-five inches and a width of between ten and twenty-fiveinches. More specifically, wheels 14 designed for use with row crops maypresent an outer diameter of about seventy inches or about eighty inchesand a width of about fifteen inches. Alternatively, the wheels 14 maypresent a width of up to twenty-five inches (or more) for pre-emergentapplications, for use on soft terrain, or both to maximize flotation andminimize soil compaction. Each of the wheels 14 may weigh between 600and 1,000 pounds and may specifically weigh about 700 pounds or about800 pounds. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the wheels 14 is aboutseventy inches tall, about fifteen inches wide and weighs about 700pounds.

The particular size, shape and configuration of the wheels 14 is notimportant to the present invention and may vary substantially from oneembodiment to another without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. In some embodiments, the invention may be used with a vehiclewith ground engaging elements other than wheels, such as tracks.Hereinafter, reference will be made to a “wheel” or “wheels” with theunderstanding that the illustrated wheels 14 may be replaced with othertypes of ground engaging elements without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

One or more drive motors 26 may be associated with one or more of thewheels 14 for driving rotation of the wheel or wheels relative to thechassis 12 to thereby propel the applicator 10 in forward and reversedirections. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate hydraulic motor 26is drivingly connected to each wheel 14 such that each of the wheels 14may be driven independently to propel the applicator 10. Either two orall four of the wheels 14 may be steerable. In some embodiments, thesteering functionality of some of the wheels 14 may be selectivelyenabled and disabled. By way of example, the front wheels 14 b, 14 c mayalways be steerable while supplemental steering provided by the rearwheels 14 a, 14 d may be selectively enabled and disabled. An operatormay control the drive motors 26 and steering functions of the wheels 14,including enabling and disabling the steering ability of certain of thewheels 14, from one or more of the user interface elements of the cabinillustrated in FIG. 4.

The applicator 10 includes mechanisms for adjusting the track width ofthe wheels to accommodate, for example, different spacing needs for rowcrops. In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 10 includestelescoping axles with an outer axle 28 and an inner axle 30 associatedwith each wheel 14, wherein the inner axle 30 slidingly engages theouter axle 28 and allows the wheel 14 to shift laterally relative to thechassis 12. A hydraulic piston or similar actuator may drive the inneraxle 30 inwardly and outwardly to shift the position of the wheel 14.The inner 30 and outer 28 axles form part of the chassis 12 and, in theillustrated embodiment, the outer axles 28 are rigidly connected toanother portion of the chassis, such as one or more frame elements.

The application system 16 is supported on the chassis 12 and may beconventional in nature. In the illustrated embodiment, the applicationsystem 16 includes a liquid holding tank 32 and a delivery system 34 forapplying a liquid from the holding tank 32 to a crop or field. Theholding tank 32 may have a capacity of between two hundred gallons andtwo thousand gallons and, more specifically, may have a capacity of 700,900, 1,100 or 1,300 gallons. The delivery system 34 includes a pair ofbooms 36 supporting hoses, pumps and spray nozzles or similar componentsfor dispersing or otherwise applying the contents of the tank to a crop.Alternatively, the application system 16 may be configured to apply drymaterial to a field and therefore may include a hopper and a mechanismfor dispersing particulate material from the hopper, such as a pneumaticspreader or one or more spinners.

The operator cabin 18 or “cab” is supported on the chassis 12 andpositioned forward of the application system 16. The cabin 18 presents acontrol environment 38 including a steering wheel 40, one or more pedals42, a drive lever 44, one or more electronic instrument panels 46, and acontrol panel 48 including buttons, switches, levers, gauges and/orother user interface elements. The various components of the controlenvironment 38 enable the operator to control the functions of theapplicator 10, including driving and operating the application system16. The various user interface elements are positioned around andproximate a seat 50 for easy access by an operator during operation ofthe applicator 10. The control environment 38 may include a touchscreendisplay. One or both of the electronic instrument panels 46, forexample, may be or include a touchscreen, or a display terminal (notillustrated) with a touchscreen may be mounted on or near the controlpanel 48.

As mentioned above, the applicator 10 includes a support assembly 22interposed between each of the wheels 14 and the chassis 12. Eachsupport assembly 22 connects to a hub of one of the wheels 14 and to oneof the inner axles 30 such that the wheel 14 and the support assembly 22shift laterally as a single unit relative to the chassis 12 when theinner axle 30 is shifted relative to the outer axle 28 to adjust theapplicator's track width. In some embodiments, the support assemblies 22include height adjustment components for raising and lowering thechassis 12 of the vehicle between various operating positions. One ormore of the support assemblies 22 (or portions thereof) may beselectively pivotable relative to the chassis 12 to thereby steer theapplicator 10.

Each of the support assemblies 22 may include one or more actuators foradjusting a height of the chassis, for steering the associated wheel, orboth. In some embodiments, the actuators are hydraulic actuators such aslinear or rotary hydraulic actuators. FIG. 3a illustrates an exemplaryhydraulic control system 52 for operating hydraulic actuator sections 54in which a centralized hydraulic pump 56, driven by an internalcombustion engine 58 or other power source, communicates pressurizedhydraulic fluid to a hydraulic controller 60 that regulates fluid flowbetween the pump 56 and the hydraulic actuator sections 54 associatedwith the support assemblies via a plurality of hydraulic transfer lines62. The hydraulic controller 60 may include, for example, a hydraulicmanifold or similar device.

Each of the hydraulic transfer lines 62 communicates hydraulic powerbetween the hydraulic controller 60 and one or more hydraulic actuatorsections 54 and, thus, may include one or more hydraulic pressure linesand one or more hydraulic return lines. Each of the hydraulic transferlines may communicate hydraulic power to more than one actuator, andeach of the actuator sections 54 may include a group of actuatorsassociated with each wheel 14 and/or assembly 22. By way of example, afirst actuator associated with the actuator section 54 may drivesteering of the wheel, a second actuator may drive rotation of thewheel, and a third actuator may adjust a height of the chassis 12. Itwill be appreciated that the actuator sections 54 are exemplary innature and that the various hydraulic actuators may not be grouped asdescribed herein.

The system 52 includes a control interface 64 in communication with thehydraulic controller 60. The control interface 64 may be part of a userinterface that includes one or more physical or virtual user interfaceelements 66, such as buttons, switches or dials, and is preferably partof the control environment 38 illustrated in FIG. 4.

It will be appreciated that various different types of technology may beused to actuate the support assemblies 22. Thus, while the variousactuators are illustrated and described herein as hydraulic actuators,it will be understood that other types of actuators may be used in placeof, or in connection with, the hydraulic actuators without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. By way of example,electro-mechanical actuators may be used in place of at least some ofthe hydraulic actuators illustrated and discussed herein.

FIG. 3b illustrates another exemplary control system 68 that isidentical to the system 52 but includes a computerized controller 70with a control module 72 for controlling the hydraulic controller 60.The system 68 may also include a wireless interface element 74 inwireless communication with the controller 60 for allowing a user toremotely control the actuator sections 54. The wireless interfaceelement 74 may be a dedicated device, such as a device similar to aconventional key fob used with cars and other vehicles, or a computingdevice such as smart phone, tablet computer, or wearable computingdevice programmed or configured for use with the system 68. The wirelessinterface element 74 may be configured to communicate with the hydrauliccontroller 60 and/or the computerized controller 70 via short-rangewireless communications, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via acommunications network such as a cellular network.

The controller 70 may include one or more integrated circuits programmedor configured to control the hydraulic controller 60 to actuate thesupport assemblies 22 as described herein. By way of example, thecontroller 70 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors ormicrocontrollers, programmable logic devices, or application specificintegrated circuits. The controller 70 may also include one or morediscrete and/or analog circuit components operating in conjunction withthe one or more integrated circuits, and may include or have access toone or more memory or storage elements operable to store executableinstructions, data, or both. The control module 72 may be a hardware orsoftware module specifically dedicated to enabling the controller 70 tocontrol the hydraulic controller 60 as described herein.

Another control system 76 illustrated in FIG. 3c is similar to thesystem 68 but includes additional hydraulic circuit components, such ashydraulic accumulators 78, for use with some embodiments of theinvention. In some embodiments, each of the support assemblies 22 mayinclude a single hydraulic actuator that both raises and lowers thechassis 12 and provides suspension functions, as explained below. Suchhydraulic systems may require specialized hydraulic circuit componentssuch as the hydraulic accumulators 78.

One of the support assemblies 22 is illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 5-10. The assembly 22 broadly includes a chassis attachmentcomponent 80 for attaching to the vehicle chassis 12; a wheel attachmentcomponent 82 for attaching to a wheel 14 or other ground engagingelement; a suspension component 84 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 80 and the wheel attachment component 82for regulating motion transfer between the two attachment components 80,82; a plurality of strut bars 86, 88 connecting the wheel attachmentcomponent 82 to the suspension component 84, and an adjustment mechanism90 comprising a plurality of adjustment elements 92, 94 for shifting thewheel attachment component 82 between a plurality of operating positionsrelative to the chassis attachment component 80. The chassis attachmentcomponent 80 may include a pivot element 96 for allowing the assembly 22to pivot relative to the chassis 12 and a pivot actuator may drive thepivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or other ground engagingelement connected to the wheel attachment component 82. In theillustrated embodiment, the pivot element 96 is or includes a rotaryactuator.

The wheel attachment component 82 presents a generally cylindrical body98 and a pair of upwardly-opening receptacles 100 for receiving andconnecting to the strut bars 86, 88. The receptacles 100 are positionedon opposite sides of and above the cylindrical body 98. Pivot torque istransferred to the wheel attachment component 82 by the strut bars 86,88 via the receptacles 100. The wheel attachment component 82 includes aplurality of apertures or other features spaced angularly around thebody 98 for connecting to a hub of a wheel, a hydraulic motor and/or agear reduction hub, a caliper disc brake assembly, a parking brakeassembly, and/or similar components.

The suspension component 84 includes a lower suspension member 102, anupper suspension member 104 and a pneumatic spring 106 or similarmotion-regulating element positioned between and attached to the upperand lower suspension members. The upper suspension member 104 isconnected to a top side or portion of the spring 106 and the lowersuspension member 102 is connected to a lower side or portion of thespring 106. Each of the upper 104 and lower 102 suspension memberspresents an elongated shape and includes a plurality of apertures orother features for attaching to the spring 106. The lower suspensionmember 102 includes apertures or other features located proximate endportions thereof to facilitate connection to the strut bars 86, 88, andthe upper suspension member 104 includes apertures or other featureslocated proximate outer portions thereof to facilitate connection to theadjustment mechanism 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the uppersuspension member 104 is longer than the lower suspension member 102enabling attachment to the adjustment elements 92, 94 that arepositioned outboard of the lower suspension member 102.

The pneumatic spring 106 uses trapped or compressed air or other fluidto regulate motion transfer between the chassis attachment component 80and the wheel attachment component 82. The pneumatic spring 106 maycontain air, water, nitrogen, antifreeze or other fluid and may besingle, double, or triple convolute. A pair of flexible straps 108 maybe positioned on opposite sides of the spring 106 to limit extension ofthe spring and a bumper may be positioned inside or outside the springto limit spring compression. Other technologies may be used, including,for example, a coil-type compression spring and a shock-absorbingcylinder and piston assembly.

The suspension components 84 of the assemblies 22 may be the onlycomponents of the applicator 10 configured to regulate motion transferbetween the wheels 14 (or other ground engaging element) and the chassis12. The outer axles 28, for example, may be rigidly connected toportions of the applicator's frame. Furthermore, the suspensioncomponents 84 operate to regulate motion transfer between the wheels 14and the chassis 12 regardless of the operating position of theassemblies 22. Thus, the suspension components 84 perform essentiallythe same function regardless of whether the chassis 21 is in a loweredposition (e.g., FIG. 45), a raised position (e.g., FIG. 46) or somewherein between.

The first strut bar 86 and the second strut bar 88 are rigidly connectedto the receptacles 100 of the wheel attachment component 82 and arerigidly coupled with the suspension component 84 such that movement ofthe wheel attachment component 82 relative to the chassis attachmentcomponent 80 is communicated through the suspension component 84 via thestrut bars 86, 88. More specifically, a first end of the first strut bar86 is connected to a first receptacle 100 of the wheel attachmentcomponent 82 and a first end of the second strut bar 88 is connected toa second receptacle 100 of the wheel attachment component 82. A secondend of the first strut bar 86 is connected to a first side of the lowersuspension member 102 and a second end of the second strut bar 88 isconnected to a second side of the lower suspension member 102. Asexplained above, the lower suspension member 102 is an elongated, rigidmember with outer apertures on opposing ends thereof for connecting tothe strut bars 86, 88 and one or more inner apertures between the outerapertures for rigidly attaching to a first side or portion of the spring106. Thus, the lower suspension member 102 interconnects the spring 106and the strut bars 86, 88.

The first and second strut bars 86, 88 are parallel or substantiallyparallel and are separated by a space. The strut bars 86, 88 slidinglyengage the chassis attachment component 80 to allow the wheel attachmentcomponent 82 to move relative to the chassis attachment component 80while also transferring pivot torque between the wheel attachmentcomponent 82 and the chassis attachment component 80. The strut bars 86,88 may be separated by a space of between about three inches and twentyinches and, more specifically, may be separated by a space of betweenabout eight inches and about fifteen inches. The length of each of thestrut bars 86, 88 may be between about twelve inches and aboutthirty-six inches and, more specifically, between about twenty inchesand about thirty inches. The strut bars 86, 88 may be positionedsymmetrically about a center of the wheel attachment component 82 and acenter of the chassis attachment component 80.

The chassis attachment component 80 comprises a lower chassis attachmentmember 110 and an upper chassis attachment member 112 separated by aspace. The pivot element 96 is interposed between, and rigidly connectedto, the attachment members 110, 112. Each of the lower 110 and upper 112chassis attachment members includes a pair of spaced through holes inaxial alignment for slidingly receiving the strut bars 86, 88. Each ofthe lower 110 and upper 112 chassis attachment members also includes apair of apertures or other features positioned outboard of the throughholes for engaging the adjustment elements 92, 94.

The chassis attachment component 80 is rigidly but adjustably coupledwith the upper suspension member 104 via the adjustment elements 92, 94such that actuating the adjustment mechanism 90 causes the uppersuspension member 104 to shift relative to the chassis attachmentcomponent 80, thereby shifting the wheel attachment component 82relative to the axle 30. The lower suspension member 102 is rigidlyconnected to the wheel attachment component 82 via the strut bars 86,88, as explained above, such that motion transfer between the chassisattachment component 80 and the wheel attachment component 82 passesthrough, and is regulated by, the suspension component 84. Such motiontransfer may correspond to up and down movement of the wheels 14relative to the chassis 12 such that the suspension component 84 mayprovide a spring or shock absorbing function and may, for example,dampen motion transfer between the wheels 14 and the chassis 12.

The height adjustment mechanism 90, comprising the height adjustmentelements 92, 94, is configured to shift the wheel attachment component82 between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component 80. As used herein, an “operating position” is aselectable position of the wheel attachment component 82 relative to thechassis attachment component 80 in which the distance between theattachment components 80, 82 is rigidly or flexibly fixed. If thedistance between the attachment components 80, 82 is flexibly fixed, therelative positions of the attachment components may fluctuate but willreturn to the same operating position. Stated differently, the averagedistance between the attachment components 80, 82 will remain the sameeven though the instantaneous distance may fluctuate above and/or belowthe average distance. Fluctuations in the relative positions of theattachment components 80, 82 may result, for example, from operation ofthe suspension component 84, operation of a hydraulic component, orboth.

In operation, shifting the wheel attachment component 82 betweenoperating positions relative to the chassis attachment component 80 willraise and lower the vehicle's chassis 12 between various operatingpositions relative to the ground surface. Each assembly 22 is operableto shift between two or more operating positions, such as, for example,between two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve,fourteen or sixteen operating positions. Additionally, each assembly 22may be infinitely adjustable between a first extreme operating position(FIG. 9) and a second extreme operating position (FIG. 10). Thedifference between the first extreme operating position and the secondextreme operating position may be within the range of about five inchesto about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may be aboutten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about fortyinches.

As illustrated, the adjustment elements 92, 94 are connected to theupper and lower chassis attachment members 110, 112 and to the uppersuspension member 104, such that extending or retracting the adjustmentelements 92, 94 causes the upper suspension member 104 (and a top end orportion of the spring 106 to which it is connected) to shift up or downrelative to the chassis attachment component 80. The adjustment elements92, 94 may include fluid actuators and/or electro-mechanical actuators.By way of example, the adjustment elements 92, 94 may include hydrauliccylinders that drive piston rods between retracted and extendedpositions.

As used herein, the suspension component 84 is “operably interposed”between the wheel attachment component 82 and the chassis attachmentcomponent 80 if it regulates motion transfer between the two components80, 82. Thus, the suspension component 84 need not be positionedphysically between the attachment components 80, 82 in order to beoperably interposed therebetween. As illustrated, the suspensioncomponent 84 may be positioned above (and in line with) both the wheelattachment component 82 and the chassis attachment component 80 and yetbe operably interposed therebetween.

The assembly 22 is configured to pivot relative to the axle 30 tothereby pivot a wheel coupled with the wheel attachment component 82 andsteer the applicator 10. The assembly 22 may pivot between a firstextreme position (FIG. 7) and a second extreme position (FIG. 8) aboutan axis of rotation passing through, and defined by, the pivot element96. The extreme pivot positions may correspond to an angular separationof between, for example, about 90° and about 300°. The assembly 22pivots as a single unit such that, regardless of the position of thewheel attachment component 82 relative to the chassis attachmentcomponent 80, the wheel attachment component 82, the chassis attachmentcomponent 80 and the suspension component 84 pivot in unison.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot element 96 attaches to an outerend of the axle 30, the suspension component 84 is positioned above theaxle 30, and the wheel attachment component 82 is positioned below theaxle 30 opposite the suspension component 84. Furthermore, the wheelattachment component 82, the chassis attachment component 80 and thesuspension component 84 lie on a line that corresponds to, or isparallel with, the axis of rotation of the assembly 22.

The pivot element 96 may include a rotatory hydraulic actuator connectedto the axle 30 and to the lower 110 and upper 112 chassis attachmentmembers. The rotary hydraulic actuator selectively drives pivotingmovement of the assembly 22 relative to the chassis 12 and may becontrolled by a vehicle operator or an automated guidance system tosteer the applicator 10.

By way of example, the rotary actuator may be an L30 series helicalhydraulic rotary actuator manufactured by HELAC CORPORATION, or asimilar device. A rotary hydraulic actuator is a device manufactured todrive or induce rotational movement in response to hydraulic input.Thus, a portion of the rotary actuator rotates relative to anotherportion of the rotary actuator and does not require external connectionsor components to generate rotational motion. A rotary actuator may bedesigned, for example, to internally translate linear motion intorotational motion. In one exemplary embodiment, the rotary hydraulicactuator may generate output torque of between 3,000 and 32,000foot-pounds at a hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi or,more specifically, may generate torque of between 10,000 and 25,000foot-pounds at a hydraulic pressure of between 2,000 and 4,000 psi. Therotary actuator may have a total angular displacement of between about90° and about 360°.

The illustrated rotary hydraulic actuator 96 includes a plurality ofspaced mounting feet or flanges 114 for securing to the axle 30 or otherpart of the chassis 12 and a cylindrical housing 116 with opposing endsthat mount to, and rotate, the lower and upper chassis attachmentmembers 110, 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feet 114are configured to attach to a plurality of attachment points arranged ina planar configuration, such as on a single planar surface. Thus, therotary actuator 96 may function both to mount the chassis attachmentcomponent 80 to the axle 30 and to rotate the assembly 22 relative tothe axle 30 and, therefore, may simplify the design, manufacture,maintenance and repair of the assembly 22 and related components. Thehousing 116 may have a diameter of between about five inches and twelveinches and a length of between about eleven inches and about fortyinches. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that therotary actuator 116 and the connections between the rotary actuator 96and the assembly 22 and the axle 30 must be sufficiently strong tosustain the shock and rigors of routine use.

Rather than including a rotary actuator, the assembly 22 may include, ormay be coupled with, another type of actuator such as a linear hydraulicactuator for driving pivoting motion. Alternatively, the assembly 22 maybe configured to rigidly attach to the vehicle chassis 12 and not pivotrelative to the chassis, wherein the chassis attachment component 80 isrigidly attached to the inner axle 30 or other portion of the chassis12. This may be desirable, for example, when the assembly 22 supports aground engaging element that is not intended to steer the applicator 10.The chassis attachment component 80 may be rigidly attached to the axle30 by replacing the pivot element 96 with a casting presenting the samesize and shape as the pivot element 96 to rigidly connect to the chassisattachment component 80 and to the axle 30. The assembly 22 may beconfigured to facilitate interchanging a rotary actuator configured topivot the assembly and a static component configured to secure theassembly in a fixed position. Conventional bolts or other easilyremovable attachment elements may be used to secure the rotary actuator96 to the axle 30 and to the assembly 22 and may be positioned tofacilitate access thereto. Thus, an actuator and a fixed element mayboth be provided with each of the assemblies 22 such that a user mayinterchange the actuator and the fixed element as desired.

In operation, the assemblies 22 may be used to raise and lower thechassis of the applicator 10. More specifically, an operator mayremotely control operation of the assemblies 22 to raise and lower thechassis 12 using, for example, one of the user interface elementsforming part of the control environment 38 illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus,the operator may raise and lower the chassis 12 while seated in thecabin 18.

In one exemplary scenario, the operator fills the holding tank 32 at acentral location, such as a local cooperative facility, and drives theapplicator 10 to a field in a lowered operating position. Once at thefield, the operator controls the assemblies 22 to raise the chassis 12to a desired height to apply the product. The operator raises thechassis 12 while seated in the cabin 18. When the application iscomplete or when the applicator 10 needs to return to the cooperativefor additional product, the operator lowers the chassis 12 and drivesthe applicator 10 to the cooperative or to another field. Thus,adjusting the height of the chassis 12 allows for safer travel to andfrom the field by lowering the applicator's center of gravity andoverall height.

In another exemplary scenario, the applicator 10 and a tender vehicleare taken to an area of application such as a field or group of fields.The applicator 10 is placed in a lowered chassis position and preparedby filling it with liquid chemical or other product to be applied to acrop. The tender vehicle may be configured to interface with theapplicator 10 only when the applicator 10 is in a lowered chassisposition. When the applicator 10 is prepared, the operator may drive theapplicator 10 to a starting position, raise the chassis 12 to a desiredheight using one or more interface elements within the cabin 18, andbegin the application process. The operator refills the applicator 10 byreturning to the tender vehicle, lowering the applicator chassis 12 tointerface with the tender vehicle, then raising the chassis 12 after theapplicator 10 has been refilled and resumes the application operation.When application for a first crop is complete, the applicator 10 may beused to apply a chemical to a second crop of a different height than thefirst crop. The operator may adjust the chassis height of the applicator10 for optimal application on the second crop, wherein the optimalheight for application on the second crop may be different than theoptimal height for application on the first crop.

An assembly 130 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The assembly 130 may beidentical to the assembly 22, except that the assembly 130 includes amechanical locking mechanism 132 for mechanically locking the assembly130 in any of a plurality of the operating positions. The assembly 130is adapted to accommodate the locking mechanism 132 by, for example,extending the overall length of the upper suspension member 104 and theupper chassis attachment member 112 and including receptacles in theextreme ends of each for engaging lock bars 134. The locking mechanism132 may be used to secure the assembly 130 in an operating position andrelieve the adjustment mechanism 90 from the weight of the applicator10, which can be substantial when the applicator 10 is fully loaded.

In the illustrated assembly, the locking mechanism 132 includes the lockbars 134 connected to both the upper suspension member 104 and the upperchassis attachment member 112 and that are positioned outboard of theadjustment elements 92, 94. Each of the lock bars 134 may include aplurality of spaced through holes or recesses 136 and a locking pin 138configured to simultaneously engage the upper chassis attachment member112 and any one of the through holes 136 to rigidly connect the lock bar134 with the upper chassis attachment member 112. The lock bars 134 ofthe illustrated assembly include ten through holes 136 such that theassembly 130 may be locked into any of ten different operatingpositions. The strut bars 86, 88, adjustment elements 92, 94 and lockbars 134 may form a linear or substantially linear pattern.

In use, the operator may remove the pins 138 from the locking mechanisms132, adjust the height of the chassis 12 to a desired height, and insertthe pins 138 in the locking mechanisms 132 to lock the chassis 12 intothe desired operating position. This process may require the operator toleave the cabin 18 one or more times and manually remove and replace thelocking pins 138 and/or may require a second person to remove andreplace the pins 138 while the operator adjusts the chassis height. Oneway to eliminate the need for the operator to travel back and forthbetween the cabin 18 and the support assemblies 130 is for the operatorto use the wireless interface element 74 described above and illustratedin FIG. 3b . The operator may use the wireless interface element 74 toadjust the chassis height while positioned proximate the assembly 130,wherein the operator manually removes the locking pins 138, adjusts thechassis height, and manually replaces the pins 138 all while positionedproximate the support assemblies 130.

An alternative locking mechanism 140 is illustrated in FIG. 13 thateliminates the need for the operator to leave the cabin 18 to engage ordisengage the locking mechanism. More specifically, the lockingmechanism 140 is remotely actuated by the operator. The lockingmechanism 140 may include locking pins or similar components that areremotely controlled or actuated by the operator via wires or cablesconnected to the locking mechanisms 140. The locking pins may becontained within a housing 142 that is secured to the upper chassisattachment member 112, wherein when the pins are in an unlocked positionthe lock bars 134 slide through the housing 142, but when the pins arein the locked position the lock bars 134 are coupled with the housing142 and the upper chassis attachment member 112. A user seated in thecab 18 of the applicator 10, for example, may actuate a user interfacecomponent of the control system such as a physical or virtual buttonthat in turn drives an electrical actuator that moves locking pins intoand out of engagement with the lock bars. Other mechanisms may be usedto actuate the locking mechanisms, including hydraulic actuators andmechanical push-pull cables.

Another alternative locking mechanism 144 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Thelocking mechanism 144 is similar to the locking mechanism 132, describedabove, except that the upper chassis attachment member 112 is notconfigured to receive lock pins for rigidly coupling with the lock bars134, and the locking mechanism 144 includes lower 146 and upper 148 lockcollars. Each of the lock collars 146, 148 slidingly engage the lockbars 134 and are selectively coupled with the lock bars 134 via lockpins 150 (similar to the pins 138 described above), and are not coupledwith the upper chassis attachment member 112. The lock collars 146, 148may be coupled with the lock bars 134 to rigidly fix the lock bars 134into position relative to the upper chassis attachment member 112. Eachlock collar 146, 148 includes a pin configured to engage one of thethrough holes 136 of the lock bars 134.

The locking mechanism 144 enables an operator to perform a lift-and-setchassis height adjustment operation. When the applicator 10 is at rest,the adjustment elements 92, 94 are disengaged or relaxed and the weightof the applicator 10 rests primarily on the lower lock collars 146. Toadjust the operating position of the assembly 130, the operator movesthe upper lock collars 148 to an extreme upper position on the lock bars134 by disengaging the pins 150, sliding the collars 148 upward on thelock bars 134 to the highest through hole 136, then reengages the pins150 with the highest through holes thereby locking the upper lockcollars 148 in the highest position. The operator then actuates theadjustment mechanism 90 to raise the vehicle chassis 12, therebylowering the lock bars 134 relative to the upper chassis attachmentmember 112 until the upper chassis attachment member 112 engages theupper lock collars 148. With the assembly 130 thus in a fully raisedposition, the operator positions the lower lock collars 146 at thedesired operating position. The operator then actuates the adjustmentmechanism 90 to lower the vehicle chassis 12 so that the upper chassisattachment member 112 rests on the lower lock collars 146. The operatorthen repositions the upper lock collars 148 adjacent or proximate theupper chassis attachment member 112.

An exemplary support assembly 200 constructed in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 20. Theassembly 200 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel ofthe vehicle and may be used, for example, with the applicator 10 in lieuof the assemblies 22. The assembly 200 broadly includes a chassisattachment component 202 for attaching to the chassis 12 of the vehicle;a wheel attachment component 204 for attaching to a wheel or otherground engaging element of the vehicle; a suspension component 206operably interposed between the chassis attachment component 202 and thewheel attachment component 204 for regulating motion transfer betweenthe two attachment components 202, 204; a single strut bar 208 couplingthe wheel attachment component 204 with the suspension component 206;and an adjustment component 210 comprising a plurality of adjustmentelements 212, 214 for shifting the wheel attachment component 204between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component 202. The single strut bar 208 may be pivotablerelative to the chassis attachment component 202, and a pivot actuator216 may drive pivoting motion of the strut bar 208 to thereby steer thewheel or other ground engaging element coupled with the wheel attachmentcomponent 204.

The wheel attachment component 204 includes only a single receptacle 218for connecting to the strut bar 208 but may otherwise be similar oridentical to the wheel attachment component 82 described above. Thereceptacle 218 is positioned generally center on, and above, acylindrical body 220 of the wheel attachment component 204. Pivot torqueis transferred to the wheel by the strut bar 208 via the receptacle 218,therefore the connection between the receptacle 218 and the strut bar208 must be sufficiently strong to transfer the torque required to pivotthe wheel relative to the chassis 12.

The suspension component 206 includes a lower suspension member 222, anupper suspension member 224 and a pneumatic spring 226 or similarmotion-regulating element positioned between and attached to the upper224 and lower 222 suspension members. The upper suspension member 224 isconnected to a top side or portion of the spring 226 and the lowersuspension member 222 is connected to a lower side or portion of thespring 226. Each of the upper and lower suspension members presents anelongated shape and includes a plurality of apertures or other featuresfor attaching to the spring 226. Each of the suspension members 222, 224also includes apertures or other features located proximate outerportions thereof to facilitate connection of the suspension component206 to the adjustment component 210. More specifically, the lowersuspension member 222 includes a pair of cylindrical outer flanges 228,230 defining through holes for slidingly receiving adjustment bars 232,and the upper suspension member 224 includes holes or receptacles forrigidly receiving the adjustment bars 232. The upper and lowersuspension members may present the same size and shape or substantiallythe same size and shape.

The suspension component 206 also includes elements or features forengaging the pivot actuator 216. Specifically, the lower suspensionmember 222 includes a pair of support bars 236 configured to pivotablyengage a cylinder portion of the pivot actuator 216 so that a pistonportion of the actuator 216 may engage a pivot flange 238 that isrigidly connected to the strut bar 208. The support bars 236 are rigidlyconnected to the lower suspension member 222 and hold the first portionof the pivot actuator 216 in a pivotable but stationary position so thatextension and retraction of the second portion of the actuator 216causes the pivot flange 238 (and the strut bar 208) to pivot relative tothe rest of the assembly 200.

The strut bar 208 is rigidly connected to the wheel attachment component204 and is pivotably coupled with the suspension component 206 such thatup and down movement of the wheel attachment component 204 relative tothe chassis attachment component 202 is communicated through thesuspension component 206 via the strut bar 208. More specifically, afirst end of the strut bar 208 is connected to the receptacle 218 of thewheel attachment component 204 and a second end of the strut bar 208 ispivotably coupled with the lower suspension member 222. As used herein,a “single strut bar” means one, and only one, strut bar.

The chassis attachment component 202 includes a lower chassis attachmentmember 240 and an upper chassis attachment member 242 separated by avertical member 244. The vertical member 244 includes a through hole forslidingly engaging the strut bar 208. Furthermore, each of the chassisattachment members 240, 242 includes apertures or similar elements forconnecting to the adjustment elements 212, 214. The vertical member 244is rigidly connected to both the lower and upper attachment members 240,242 and to the inner axle 30, and may be integrally formed with theinner axle 30. Thus, the chassis attachment component 202, the heightadjustment component 210 and the suspension component 206 do not pivotrelative to the chassis 12. Rather, only the wheel attachment component204 and the strut bar 208 pivot relative to the chassis 12. The chassisattachment component 202 may be a single casting or weldment.

The chassis attachment component 202 is rigidly but adjustably coupledwith the upper suspension member 224 via the adjustment elements 212,214 such that motion transfer between the chassis attachment component202 and the wheel attachment component 204 passes through, and isregulated by, the suspension component 206. When the adjustmentmechanism 210 shifts the wheel attachment component 204 relative to thechassis attachment component 202, the wheel attachment component 204 andthe suspension component 206 move in unison or substantially in unison.The wheel attachment component 204 is positioned below the chassisattachment component 202 and, thus, below the axle 30, while thesuspension component 206 is positioned above the chassis attachmentcomponent 202 and, thus, above the axle 30. The suspension component206, the chassis attachment component 202 and the wheel attachmentcomponent 204 may all be positioned on a line that corresponds to, or isparallel with, the axis of rotation of the strut bar 208.

The pivot actuator 216 is configured to steer the wheel by pivoting thewheel attachment component 204 between a first extreme position (FIG.17) and a second extreme position (FIG. 18). The adjustment mechanism210 is configured to move the wheel attachment component 204 between afirst extreme operating position (FIG. 19) and a second extremeoperating position (FIG. 20). The adjustment mechanism 210 may beinfinitely adjustable between the two extreme operating positions or maybe configured to move the wheel attachment component 204 between afinite number of operating positions relative to the chassis attachmentcomponent 202. The difference between the first extreme operatingposition and the second extreme operating position may be within therange of from about five inches to about fifty inches. Morespecifically, the difference may be about ten inches, about twentyinches, about thirty inches or about forty inches.

An assembly 300 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 21. The assembly 300 may be identicalto the assembly 200, except that the assembly 300 includes a lockingmechanism 302 for mechanically locking the assembly 300 in any of theplurality of operating positions. In the illustrated assembly 300, thelocking mechanism 302 includes a pair of lock bars 304 connected to theupper suspension member 224 the selectively coupled with the upperchassis attachment member 242 via lock pins 308. The lock bars 304 arepositioned outboard of the adjustment elements 212, 214. Each of thelock bars 304 may include a plurality of spaced through holes 306 and alocking pin 308 configured to engage the upper chassis attachment member242 and any one of the through holes 306 to rigidly connect the lock bar304 with the upper chassis attachment member 242. The lock bars 304 ofthe illustrated assembly 300 include ten through holes 306 such that theassembly 300 may be locked into any of ten different operatingpositions. Thus, the locking mechanism 302 may be similar or identicalto the locking mechanism 132 described above, and may include manuallocking pins (as illustrated) or remotely-controlled locking mechanismlike the mechanism 140 described above. Alternatively, the assembly 300may include a lift-and-set type locking mechanism similar to the lockingmechanism 144 described above.

An exemplary support assembly 400 for supporting a vehicle chassis on awheel of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 22-27. The assembly 400 is configuredto support a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle and may be used,for example, with the applicator 10 in lieu of the assemblies 22. Theassembly 400 broadly includes a chassis attachment component 402 forattaching to the chassis 12 of the vehicle; a wheel attachment component404 for attaching to a wheel or other ground engaging element of thevehicle 12; a suspension component 406 operably interposed between thechassis attachment component 402 and the wheel attachment component 404for regulating motion transfer between the two attachment components402, 404; a single strut bar 408 coupling the wheel attachment component404 with the suspension component 406; and an adjustment component 410comprising a plurality of adjustment elements 412, 414 for shifting thewheel attachment component 404 between a plurality of operatingpositions relative to the chassis attachment component 402. The singlestrut bar 408 is rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component 404and the suspension component 406 and the chassis attachment component ispivotably coupled with the inner axle 30. The assembly 400 may include apivot actuator 416 for pivoting the entire assembly 400 relative to thechassis 12.

The assembly 400 may be similar or identical to the assembly 200,described above, except that the single strut bar 408 is rigidlyconnected to both the wheel attachment component 404 and the suspensioncomponent 406, the chassis attachment component 402 pivots relative tothe chassis 12, and the pivot actuator 416 is drivingly coupled with thechassis attachment component 402. In the illustrated embodiment, acylindrical receptacle portion 418 of the inner axle 30 pivotablyengages upper 420 and lower 422 chassis attachment members and includesa through hole for pivotably and slidingly engaging the strut bar 408.Through holes in the upper 420 and lower 422 chassis attachment membersalso slidingly engage the strut bar 408 such that the strut bar 408slides within the chassis attachment member 402.

The assembly 400 includes a pivot actuator 416 similar to the pivotactuator 216 described above, except that the actuator 416 is drivinglyconnected to the chassis attachment component 402 rather than thesuspension component. The pivot actuator 416 is configured to pivot theassembly 400 between a first extreme position (FIG. 24) and a secondextreme position (FIG. 25). The adjustment mechanism 410 is configuredto move the wheel attachment component 404 between a first extremeoperating position (FIG. 26) and a second extreme operating position(FIG. 27). The adjustment mechanism 410 may be infinitely adjustablebetween the two extreme operating positions or may be configured to movethe wheel attachment component 404 between a finite number of operatingpositions relative to the chassis attachment component 402. Thedifference between the first extreme operating position and the secondextreme operating position may be within the range of from about fiveinches to about fifty inches. More specifically, the difference may beabout ten inches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or aboutforty inches.

A support assembly 500 constructed in accordance with another embodimentof the invention is illustrated in FIG. 28. The assembly 500 includes alocking mechanism 502 for mechanically locking the assembly 500 in anyof a plurality of the operating positions, but is otherwise similar oridentical to the assembly 400, described above. The locking mechanism502 includes a pair of lock bars 504 connected to an upper suspensionmember 506 and an upper chassis attachment member 508. The lock bars 504are positioned outboard of adjustment elements 412, 414. Each of thelock bars 504 may include a plurality of spaced through holes 510 and alocking pin 512 configured to engage the upper chassis attachment member508 and any one of the through holes 510 to rigidly connect the lock bar504 with the upper chassis attachment member 508. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock bars 504 include ten through holes 510 such thatthe assembly 500 may be locked into any of ten different operatingpositions. Thus, the locking mechanism 502 may be similar or identicalto the locking mechanism 132 described above, and may include manuallocking pins or remotely-controlled locking pins. Alternatively, theassembly 500 may include a lift-and-set type locking mechanism similarto the locking mechanism 144 described above.

An exemplary support assembly 600 for supporting a vehicle chassis on awheel of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 29-30. The assembly 600 broadlyincludes a chassis attachment component 602 for attaching to the chassisof the vehicle; a wheel attachment component 604 for attaching to awheel or other ground engaging element of the vehicle; a suspensioncomponent 606 operably interposed between the chassis attachmentcomponent 602 and the wheel attachment component 604 for regulatingmotion transfer between the two attachment components; and a pluralityof strut bars 608, 610 connecting the wheel attachment component 604 tothe suspension component 606. The chassis attachment component 602 mayinclude a pivot element 612 for allowing the entire assembly 600 topivot relative to the chassis 12 and a pivot actuator may drive thepivoting motion to thereby steer a wheel or other ground engagingelement connected to the wheel attachment component. In the illustratedembodiment, the pivot actuator is a rotary actuator that functions asboth the pivot element and the actuator.

The assembly 600 may be similar or identical to the assembly 22,described in detail above, except that the assembly 600 does not includea height adjustment component. Rather, the operating position of thewheel attachment component 604 relative to the chassis attachmentcomponent 602 is fixed by the length of the strut bars 608, 610 and bythe length of a pair of fixed structural members 614 that replace theheight adjustment elements of the assembly 22.

An exemplary support assembly 700 for supporting a vehicle chassis on awheel of the vehicle constructed in accordance with principles ofanother embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 31-37. Theassembly 700 is configured to support a vehicle chassis on a wheel ofthe vehicle and may be used, for example, with the applicator 10 in lieuof the assemblies 22. The assembly 700 broadly includes a frame 702pivotably connected to the vehicle chassis at a connection location; awheel attachment component 704 slidingly coupled with the frame 702,configured to pivot in unison with the frame 702 and to move between aplurality of operating positions relative to the frame 702; a suspensioncomponent 706 operably interposed between the frame 702 and the wheelattachment component 704 for regulating motion transfer between theframe 702 and the wheel attachment component 704; and an adjustmentactuator 708 rigidly coupled with the frame 702 and configured to shiftthe wheel attachment component 704 between any of the plurality ofoperating positions relative to the frame 702. A pair of support members710 are rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component 704 andslidingly engage the frame 702.

The frame 702 includes a lower spindle member 712 and an upper spindlemember 714 separated by a space and pivotably coupled with the inneraxle 30. A pair of lower side members 716 are attached to outer ends ofthe lower 712 and upper 714 spindle members and rigidly interconnect thespindle members. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower side members716 are cylindrical in shape and each includes a through-hole or similarfeature to slidingly engage one of the support members 710. An uppersuspension member 718 is separated from the upper spindle member 714 bya space wherein a pair of upper side members 720 rigidly interconnectthe upper spindle member 714 and the upper suspension member 718. Theupper suspension member 718 includes a pair of through holes 722 forslidingly receiving the support members 714.

The suspension component 706 includes a lower suspension member 724rigidly coupled with a spring 726 and with the adjustment actuator 708.The lower suspension member 724 is also selectively coupled with thesupport members 710 via a pair of locking pins 728, 730, as explainedbelow. The lower suspension member 724 is an elongated, rigid memberwith a first (bottom) side connected to a top portion of the actuator708 and a second (top) side connected to a first end or portion of thespring 726. The lower suspension member 724 further defines a pair ofcylindrical barrel portions 732 at the ends thereof for slidinglyreceiving the support members 710.

As mentioned previously, the suspension component 706 includes apneumatic spring 726 or similar component for regulating motion transferbetween the wheel attachment component 704 and the frame 702. The spring726 is positioned between the upper 718 and lower 724 suspension membersand between the support members 710. Thus, the spring 726 is positionedwithin the frame 702 such that the spring 726, the frame 702 and thewheel attachment component 704 all pivot in unison.

The adjustment actuator 708 is housed within a receptacle portion 734 ofthe axle 30 and an adjustment member 736 of the adjustment actuator 708is connected to the wheel attachment component 704. The actuator 708drives the adjustment member 736 to move the wheel attachment component704 between a plurality of operating positions relative to the frame702. The actuator 708 may include, for example, a conventional hydrauliccylinder. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 700 includes asingle actuator housed within the receptacle portion 734 of the axle 30.It will be appreciated that this configuration reduces the number ofexposed components as well as the overall size of the assembly 700.

The wheel attachment component 704 may be moveable between a firstextreme operating position (FIG. 35) and a second extreme operatingposition (FIG. 36). The difference between the first extreme operatingposition and the second extreme operating position may be within therange of about five inches to about fifty inches. More specifically, thedifference may particularly be about ten inches, about twenty inches,about thirty inches or about forty inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel attachment component 704 ispositioned below the axle 30, the suspension component 706 is positionedabove the axle 30 and the adjustment actuator 708 is positioned withinthe receptacle portion 734 of the axle 30 such that the wheel attachmentcomponent 704, the suspension component 706 and the adjustment actuator708 all lie on a line that corresponds to or is parallel with the axisof rotation of the assembly 700. The lower side members 716 arepositioned proximate and on opposite sides of the receptacle portion 734of the axle 30, and the upper side members 720 are positioned onopposite sides of the spring 726 and outboard of the support members710.

The assembly 700 includes a pair of locking pins 728, 730 forselectively coupling the support members 710 with the frame 702 tothereby lock the wheel attachment component 704 into any of a pluralityof operating positions relative to the frame 702. The locking pins 728,730 engage the barrel portions 732 of the lower suspension member 724and selectively engage any of a plurality of through holes (notillustrated) of the support members 710 to thereby fixedly couple thelower suspension member 724 with the support members 710.

A pivot actuator 738 is pivotably coupled with both a recess 740 of theinner axle 30 and pivotably coupled with a pivot flange 742 the frame702 to pivot the assembly 700 relative to the axle 30 and thereby steera wheel attached to the wheel attachment component 704. Morespecifically, the pivot actuator 738 is operable to pivot the assembly700 between a first extreme position (FIG. 33) and a second extremeposition (FIG. 34).

A cross section of the receptacle portion 722 of the axle 30 and aportion of the support assembly 700 is illustrated in FIG. 37. A pair ofannular inserts 734, 736 extend through the lower 710 and upper 712spindle members and into the receptacle portion 722 of the axle 30. Abushing material 738 may be interposed between the inserts 734, 736 andan inner surface of the receptacle portion 722 to facilitate rotation ofthe frame 702 relative to the receptacle portion 722. The actuator 707is positioned inside the inserts 734, 736 and may not be in contact withthe inserts 734, 736.

An assembly 800 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 38-40. The assembly 800 broadlyincludes a frame 802 pivotably coupled with the vehicle chassis 12; anattachment component 804 slidingly coupled with the frame 802; and anadjustment actuator rigidly coupled with the frame 802 and configured toshift the attachment component 804 between a plurality of operatingpositions relative to the frame 802 and to regulate motion transferbetween the attachment component 804 and the frame 802. The adjustmentactuator, housed within a receptacle portion 806 of the axle 30, is theonly mechanism for securing the attachment component 804 in theoperating positions and is the only mechanism for regulating motiontransfer between the attachment component 804 and the frame 802. Theassembly 800 may also include a pivot actuator 808 for pivoting theframe 802 relative to the chassis 12.

The assembly 800 is similar or identical to the assembly 700, describedabove, except that the assembly 800 does not include a pneumatic springor locking mechanisms on support members 810. Rather, the adjustmentactuator is configured to move the attachment component 804 between theplurality of operating positions relative to the frame, to secure theattachment component 804 in any of the operating positions, and toregulate motion transfer between the attachment component 804 and theframe 802. If the adjustment actuator includes a hydraulic actuator, forexample, maintaining a certain hydraulic pressure on the cylinder mayhold the cylinder in a first of the operating positions. Increasing thehydraulic pressure may cause the piston to extend to a second operatingposition that corresponds to a higher chassis height than the firstoperating position. Reducing the hydraulic pressure may cause the pistonto retract to a third operating position that corresponds to a lowerchassis height than the first operating position.

The attachment component 804 may be moveable between a first extremeoperating position, illustrated in FIG. 39, and a second extremeoperating position, illustrated in FIG. 40. The difference between thefirst extreme operating position and the second extreme operatingposition may be within the range of about five inches to about fiftyinches. More specifically, the difference may particularly be about teninches, about twenty inches, about thirty inches or about forty inches.

Referring again to FIG. 3c , the hydraulic system may include variousspecialized components to enable the locking and suspension functionsperformed by the hydraulic adjustment actuator. One or more hydraulicaccumulators 78 may be included, for example, to regulate pressurespikes in the hydraulic system associated with bouncing or other rapidmovement of the wheel attachment component relative to the frame.Furthermore, a computerized control system may be used to control thehydraulic pressure to thereby secure the assembly in any of theoperating positions.

An assembly 850 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 41-42. The assembly 850 broadlyincludes a frame 852 configured to be pivotably coupled with the inneraxle 30 of the vehicle chassis 12; a wheel attachment component 854positioned below the axle 30; a pair of support members 856 rigidlycoupled with the wheel attachment component 854 and slidingly coupledwith the frame 852 such that the support members 856 transfer toquebetween the frame 852 and the wheel attachment component 854 causing thewheel attachment component 854 to pivot in unison with the frame 852; asuspension component 858 operably interposed between the frame 852 andthe wheel attachment component 854 for regulating motion transferbetween the frame 852 and the wheel attachment component 854; and apivot actuator 860 for pivoting the frame 852 relative to the chassis12.

The assembly 850 is similar or identical to the assembly 700, describedabove, except that the assembly 850 does not include an adjustmentactuator. Rather, the assembly 850 is configured such that wheelattachment component 854 operates at a single operating positionrelative to the frame 852. Because the attachment component 854 does notshift between different operating positions relative to the frame 852,the support members 856 may be rigidly coupled with the wheel attachmentcomponent 854 and with the suspension component 858 without the use oflocking elements.

The assembly 850 may alternatively include removable support members862, as illustrated in FIGS. 43-44. The support members 862 areremovably coupled with the lower suspension member and with the wheelattachment component 854 so that they can be removed and replaced withother support members of a different size. Replacing the support members862 with other support members of a different size allows the operatorto adjust the height of the chassis 12. The support members 862 are“removably” coupled with the lower suspension member and with the wheelattachment component if they are configured to be removed and replacedwithout cutting or otherwise compromising the support members 862 or anyother component of the assembly 850, and without compromising thestrength of the connections. The support members 862 may be removablycoupled with the lower suspension member and the wheel attachmentcomponent 854 using, for example, bolts or similar fasteners that may berepeatedly removed from and reattached to the support members 862.

With reference now to FIGS. 45-47, the track width of the applicator 10is illustrated as the distance between the wheels 14 a, 14 b on a firstside of the applicator 10 and the wheels 14 c, 14 d on a second side ofthe applicator 10. As explained above, the applicator 10 includes atrack width adjustment system including telescoping axles 28, 30 andactuators (not illustrated) for moving the inner axles 30 betweenextended and retracted positions. The track width may be infinitelyadjustable between, for example, about 120 inches and about 152 inches.

The applicator 10 may be configured such that the support assemblies 22are not parallel with the direction of vertical movement of the chassis12 when the support assemblies 22 are used to adjust the height of thechassis 12. As illustrated in FIG. 45, each support assembly 22 connectsto the chassis 12 at a chassis connection point 900 and connects to oneof the wheels 14 at a wheel connection point 902. A straight line 904interconnecting the chassis connection point 900 and the wheelconnection point 902 is angled relative to vertical movement of thechassis 12 and is also angled relative to a vertical longitudinal axisof the wheel 14. Line 906 represents the direction of vertical movementof the chassis 12 and the direction of the vertical longitudinal axis ofthe wheel 14. This angled position of the assemblies 22 may be desirablefor several reasons, including providing sufficient separation betweenthe support assembly 22 and the wheel 14 and providing an optimalsteering configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 46, the angled position of the assemblies 22relative to the vehicle's frame presents certain challenges to use ofthe support assembly 22 to raise and lower the vehicle's chassis 12. Asthe support assemblies 22 are actuated to raise the chassis 12, forexample, the wheels 14 are also pushed laterally outward away from thevehicle's chassis 12. This may present a problem because some surfacesmay prevent the wheels 14 from sliding relative to the chassis 12,particularly if the applicator 10 is loaded with product. In thesesituations the operator may be required to raise and lower theapplicator 10 while the applicator 10 is travelling forward orbackwards. Furthermore, it may be undesirable to operate the applicator10 at a new track width such that the operator must re-adjust the trackwidth to the desired amount each time he or she adjusts the height ofthe chassis 12. As explained above, re-adjusting may need to beperformed while the applicator 10 is moving.

To address the problems associated with lateral movement of the wheelsthat occurs when the applicator height is adjusted, the control system52 may be configured to automatically adjust the track width as theheight of the applicator 10 is adjusted such that the wheels 14 do notmove laterally relative to the ground surface as the applicator 10 israised and lowered. With particular reference to FIG. 47, if the supportassembly 22 is positioned at an angle of inclination θ relative to thedirection of travel of the chassis 12, the change in lateral position ofthe wheel ΔW is defined as ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH, where ΔH is the change in thedistance between the chassis point of connection 900 and the wheel pointof connection 902 along the line 109. In this equation, ΔW representsthe change in lateral position of one of the wheels 14 or, in otherwords, the wheels 14 on one side of the applicator 10. The total changein track width is defined as twice that amount, or two times ΔW.

The control system 52 may be configured such that as the operatoradjusts the height of the machine using, for example, a button or diallocated in the cabin 18, the control system 52 detects the heightadjustment and automatically adjusts the track width accordingly topreserve the track width of the applicator 10. Alternatively, thecontrol system may be configured to actuate both the chassis heightadjustment system and the track width adjustment system. In thisimplementation, the user may adjust the chassis height via a userinterface element wherein the control system 52 actuates the heightadjustment system to adjust the chassis height to the desired height andalso adjusts the track width system to preserve the track width of theapplicator. In either implementation, the control system 52 adjusts thetrack width according to the equation ΔW=sin(θ)×ΔH, explained above.

Although the invention has been described with reference to theexemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it isnoted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as recited in theclaims.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:
 1. An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on awheel, the assembly comprising: a wheel attachment component forattaching the assembly to the wheel; a chassis attachment component forpivotably attaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis; a suspensioncomponent operably interposed between the wheel attachment component andthe chassis attachment component; a first adjustment element coupledwith the chassis attachment component and coupled with a first portionof the suspension component; a second adjustment element coupled withthe chassis attachment component and coupled with the first portion ofthe suspension component, the first and second adjustment elementsconfigured to shift the first portion of the suspension componentbetween a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component and the chassis attachment component furthercomprising a pair of spindle members separated by a space, the spindlemembers rigidly coupled with the adjustment elements and rotatablycoupled with the vehicle chassis; and a single strut bar slidinglyengaging the chassis attachment component and rigidly coupled with asecond portion of the suspension component.
 2. The assembly as set forthin claim 1, further comprising a pivot actuator for pivoting the chassisattachment component relative to the vehicle chassis.
 3. The assembly asset forth in claim 2, the pivot actuator being attached to at least oneof the spindle members.
 4. The assembly as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a motor for driving rotation of the wheel relative to thechassis.
 5. An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel, theassembly comprising: a wheel attachment component for attaching theassembly to the wheel; a chassis attachment component for pivotablyattaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis; a suspension componentoperably interposed between the wheel attachment component and thechassis attachment component; a first adjustment element coupled withthe chassis attachment component and coupled with a first portion of thesuspension component; a second adjustment element coupled with thechassis attachment component and coupled with the first portion of thesuspension component, the first and second adjustment elementsconfigured to shift the first portion of the suspension componentbetween a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component; a single strut bar slidingly engaging the chassisattachment component and rigidly coupled with a second portion of thesuspension component; and a locking mechanism for mechanically lockingthe suspension component into any of a plurality of positions relativeto the chassis attachment component.
 6. The assembly as set forth inclaim 5, the suspension component including a first suspension membercorresponding to the first portion of the suspension component, whereinthe first adjustment element is connected to a first end of the firstsuspension member and the second adjustment element is connected to asecond end of the first suspension member.
 7. The assembly as set forthin claim 6, the locking mechanism including a first locking bar rigidlycoupled with the first suspension member and selectively coupled withthe chassis attachment component, and a second locking bar rigidlycoupled with the first suspension member and selectively coupled withthe chassis attachment component.
 8. The assembly as set forth in claim5, the locking mechanism configured to be remotely controlled by a user.9. An agricultural machine comprising: a chassis; a plurality of wheelssupporting the chassis above a ground surface; a motor for driving atleast one of the wheels to thereby propel the machine along the groundsurface; and a plurality of height adjustment assemblies, each assemblyconfigured to support a portion of the chassis on one of the wheels andto selectively raise and lower the chassis relative to the groundsurface, the height adjustment assemblies configured to be remotelycontrolled, each of the height adjustment assemblies including: a wheelattachment component for attaching the assembly to one of the wheels; achassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassisof the machine; a suspension component; a first adjustment elementcoupled with the chassis attachment component and coupled with a firstportion of the suspension component; a second adjustment element coupledwith the chassis attachment component and coupled with the first portionof the suspension component, the first and second adjustment elementsconfigured to shift the first portion of the suspension componentbetween a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassisattachment component and further, the chassis attachment component of atleast one of the height adjustment assemblies being pivotably attachedto the chassis; and a single strut bar slidingly engaging the chassisattachment component and rigidly coupled with a second portion of thesuspension component.